Early exposure to chemicals used in the making of products such as baby bottles or plastic food wraps may lead to obesity, according to new research presented Wednesday.Three separate studies presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Geneva found that mice which were exposed during early development to chemicals used in products such as plastic food containers or even boat paint tended to become fat later in life.
The findings could change how obesity is viewed and dealt with, according to an expert on the subject.
Jerry Heindel from the United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences said:
"If these findings are proven to be true in humans, then the focus must change from losing weight as adults to prevention of weight gain during development, through reducing the exposure to such substances."